Automated Castor Mobility Testing System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for checking the functionality of castors and fixed castors on roll containers, such as roll pallets, are inefficient and require significant manual effort, often leading to unnoticed malfunctions and the need for complete unloading and reloading of pallets when defects are discovered.
Innovation Solution
A system that determines the rotational and pivoting mobility of castors using force transducers, torque measuring cells, and pivoting devices, allowing for automated detection and repair of defective rollers before loading, thereby reducing effort and time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual inspection methods are used to check castor functionality, then the inspection can be performed with simple equipment, but the inspection requires considerable manual effort and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection with an automated measurement system that uses a turntable and force transducer to objectively measure rolling resistance and pivoting mobility of castors, eliminating the need for manual testing while reducing inspection time
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows the castor to be tested while remaining attached to the roll container, with the roll container itself serving as the test platform through its movement on the turntable, eliminating the need for separate testing equipment and manual intervention
2Reliability
If complete unloading and reloading is performed when a roller malfunction is detected, then the defective roller can be replaced, but a great deal of effort and time is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary inspection of all castors before the roll container is loaded with goods. By using automated measurement devices to detect rolling resistance and pivoting mobility issues in advance, the system identifies defective rollers before they cause problems during operation, allowing for planned maintenance without disrupting loading operations
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system provides immediate feedback on castor functionality through quantitative measurements of rolling resistance and pivoting mobility. This feedback mechanism allows operators to identify and replace defective rollers proactively, preventing the need for emergency unloading and reloading when malfunctions occur during operation
3Measurement precision
If automated measurement systems are used to test castor mobility, then inspection time is reduced and precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal testing system that can measure both rolling resistance and pivoting mobility using a single turntable and force transducer configuration. The same apparatus serves multiple testing functions, reducing the need for separate specialized equipment and thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision
4Ease of operation
If castors are tested while attached to the roll container, then the testing process becomes more integrated and less manual, but the testing setup becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the testing function with the roll container by using the roll container itself as the test platform. The castors are tested while remaining attached to the roll container, which is positioned on the turntable, combining the object being tested with the testing apparatus and simplifying the overall setup while maintaining operational ease
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise and automated testing of castor mobility, allowing for early detection and repair of defects, reducing the effort and time required for maintenance and ensuring smooth operation of roll containers.
Implementation Method 1
a device for measuring the rolling resistance, in particular comprising a force transducer, e.g. B. a load cell
Implementation Method 2
a pivoting device for pivoting the rollers about a vertical axis, in particular a turntable that can be rotated by means of a motor, which pivoting device is equipped with a measuring device for measuring the rotational resistance, in particular with a torque measuring cell
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a system (1) for testing the functionality of the swivel casters (2) and/or fixed casters (3) of a roll container, in particular a roll pallet (4) for food and supermarkets, comprising at least one device (17) for determining the rotational mobility of the swivel and fixed casters (2, 3) about their wheel rotation axis and at least one device (21) for determining the pivot mobility of the swivel casters (2) about a vertical axis.